Julie Carmichael, Communications and Development Manager
13th October 2008
For immediate release
Excitement mounts of the eve of
‘Ochre – Supporting Indigenous Health through Art’
Art collectors, philanthropists and prominent Melbourne business people are set to come together on
Tuesday night (14th October) for the Inaugural ‘‘Ochre – Supporting Indigenous Health through Art’.
‘Ochre’ is a charity art auction with a difference. It includes the auction of 14 ‘museum quality’ Indigenous
artworks which will be auctioned to raise funds for research into Indigenous child health at the Menzies
School of Health Research.
Artworks from some of Australia’s most sought after Indigenous artists have been brought together in a
superb collection for the auction including works from John Mawurndjul, Eubena Nampitjin and Makinti
Napanangka, winner of the 2008 National Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Art Award.
Also Included in the collection is a significant piece by Rita Simpson from the Martumili Art
Centre in the Pilbara region of WA who has been selected for the 2008 Western Australian
Premiers Award through the Art Gallery of Western Australia and whom will be present at the
Ochre event.
Speaking on behalf of the Ochre committee, Melbourne based entrepreneur and Ochre Ambassador Mr
David Smorgon OAM said that Ochre is a unique event due to the extreme high quality of the artworks and
also the very unique way in which the artworks have been obtained.
“Rather than asking artists and galleries to donate their works, as is the ‘norm’ in most charity art auctions,
sponsorship has been secured to allow artworks to be purchased direct from community art centres. This
ensures that we are fostering local economic development and employment opportunities in remote
Indigenous communities.”
“This unique approach also ensures that the highest ethical standards have been maintained when
purchasing the artworks at a time when the Indigenous art industry is under an increasing amount of public
scrutiny.”
All proceeds from the sale of the artworks will go towards breaking the cycle of ill-health faced by
Indigenous kids, particularly those from remote communities.
“We all have a responsibility to do what we can to help discover ways to break the cycle of ill-health faced
by Indigenous Australians. Too many Indigenous people are dying prematurely and too many Indigenous
kids face an unhealthy and uncertain future,” said Mr Smorgon.
“Hand in hand with members of the Melbourne and Northern Territory community, we have come together
for Ochre to help to fund the research which can help to break this cycle and change the lives of Indigenous
kids.”
Julie Carmichael, Communications and Development Manager
Ochre – Supporting Indigenous Health through Art will take place at Mossgreen Auctions, South Yarra on
14th October. With an intimate performance by Indigenous singing sensation and ARIA winner Geoffrey
Gurrumul Yunupingu (supported by Paspaley Pearls), and hosted by TV legend Mr Ray Martin, Ochre will
not only be remembered for the quality of the artworks on offer, but also for being a cultural, musical and
culinary extravaganza!
Media contacts:
Julie Carmichael
0429 916758
Liza Boston
0433 101292
Media Opportunity:
Date: 14th October
Time: 6pm – 8pm
Location: Mossgreen Auction, 210 Toorak Road, South Yarra, Victoria
Vision/interview opportunities
Mr David Smorgon OAM – Ochre Ambassador
Prof Jonathan Carapetis – Director, Menzies School of Health Research
Mr Ray Martin – Ochre MC
Mr Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu – Ochre performer
Ms Rita Simpson – Indigenous Artist
Mr Paul Sumner – Mossgreen Auctions and Expert in Indigenous Art
NEWS 
